Wilmington, NC – UNCW continues its challenging early-season men’s basketball schedule this week, taking on Power 5 members Oklahoma and Connecticut on the road in a four-day span that will take Takayo Siddle’s club from the East Coast to the Midwest and back.
The Seahawks, 1-1, battle the Sooners, 1-1, in an 8 pm ET matchup on Tuesday, November 15 at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. It marks the team’s first appearance at the venue since competing in the Sooner Classic early in the 2000-01 season.
The non-conference game may be heard on 95.9 FM The Breeze with play-by-play voice Mike Vaccaro on the call, beginning at 7:45 p.m. ET. Video of the contest can be found on ESPN+.
“We’re looking forward to this trip and want to continue to get better,” said Siddle. “It’s an opportunity to play two very good teams in the same week. Coach Moser is a veteran coach who does a terrific job. He will have his team ready and we’ll have to match their energy on their home floor.”
Siddle’s revamped squad has been solid in the early going. The Seahawks fell to No. 1 North Carolina, 69-56, in a hard-fought season opener and then raced past NCAA Division II Allen, 104-55, last Friday at Trask Coliseum.
Sophomore guard Trazarien White has been the team’s top scorer in both appearances this season. The Mansfield, Texas, product poured in a game-high 19 points in the loss to the Tar Heels and added 17 markers in just 19 minutes against the Yellow Jackets.
Senior forward Amari Kelly has been perfect on all eight of his field goal attempts. The Norcross, Ga., product made his only shot in the debut against North Carolina, but went 7-for-7 against the Yellow Jackets, including four dunks, to stay flawless on the year.
The Seahawks have been relentless on the boards early in the campaign. UNCW has outrebounded both opponents, especially on the offensive glass, where UNCW holds a 33-13 margin after two games. Graduate transfer Victor Enoh paces the team with seven offensive rebounds in two contests.
Oklahoma was upset in its season opener, 52-51, by Sam Houston State before bouncing back with a 66-58 verdict against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Senior guard Grant Sherfield (15.0 ppg) and senior forward Jalen Hill (11.0 ppg) power the Sooners’ offense, which is averaging 58.5 ppg.
Following Tuesday’s clash in Norman, the Seahawks head up to the Northeast to battle UConn at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion in Storrs.
